Battlefield 3 Music Video, DeStorm Stokes Up Franchise War (Interview)

Gamers around the world are abuzz with Electronic Art’s Battlefield 3 firing the first shots in the showdown with rival shooter, Activision‘s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. With Call of Duty: Find Makarov and Battlefield 3: Operation Gridiron, both franchises have utilized web video to pump up pre-release hype.   Both games web content have struck a semi-bizarre “prepare for our video game like you’re going war” tone that is a little too intense, after all video games are supposed to be fun, right?

So it’s relief to find YouTube content creators Tom Antos and DeStorm teaming up for a light hearted but still kick-ass video to get us pumped up for Battlefield 3.

I don’t want to go too deep down the video game rabbit hole here, but for those who don’t know, camping in a video game is where someone posts up in one strategic location and racks up kills without truly joining the fight. This strategy works well in Modern Warfare and other shooters, but as anybody who played the Battlefield 3 beta can tell you, it doesn’t work with Battlefield‘s fully destructible environments. What once was a secret spot can quickly be pulverized to leave the even most tricky campers exposed.

We had the chance to connect with DeStorm about how the video took shape, his advice for content creators, and where he stands on the Modern Warfare 3 vs Battlefield 3 showdown.

Tubefilter: How did this video come together?
DeStorm: It was Tom Antos’ idea. He and I were working on a Modern Warfare 3 video and he asked me to be part of the Battlefield 3 video and we knocked out Modern Warfare 3 and Battlefield 3 together. The footage of the actors and the shots that aren’t me were shot in Canada, and the shots that are me where shot here in Los Angeles.

Tubefilter: There’s a Modern Warfare 3 video as well?
DeStorm: It will be featured on my channel and going to be released on November 7th.

Tubefilter: Was EA involved in the production?
DeStorm: They definetely had no part in the video, it was all Tom.

Tubefilter: This video is one of many collaborations you’ve done with other YouTube partners. Why do you think collaboration in the digital space is important?
DeStorm: I’m one of the bigger collaborators on YouTube. If you have a great idea, it’s a good place to come together to reach an audience. Someone may be lacking in one area but great in another. Sometimes they may have the audio skills or the video skills but need the resources of a great content provider. The internet is a place where people can meet others and work together.

Tubefilter: You’ve been making videos for over 3 years. What do you like the best about the platform?
DeStorm: I’ve had over 30 jobs and this is the best job I’ve ever had because I have complete control over what I do. It’s given me the opportunity to work with other inspirational content creators like Tom, Freddie Wong, iJustine and mainstream artists like Talib Kweli.

Tubefilter: Are you a gamer yourself?
DeStorm: I’m an old school gamer, a little Modern Warfare here and there but I’ve been getting my ass kicked.

Tubefilter: How old school are we talking here?
DeStorm: I’m talking about Goldeneye old school. I can even go back to a game called Golgo 13.

Tubefilter: Everyone has got to take sides so Modern Warfare or Battlefield?
DeStorm: (laughing) I guess I’ll have to wait til they both come out and then play them both and I’ll decide from there.

Tim Goessling is a contributing writer for Tubefilter. You can read more of his writing at thislalife.com. He will be playing Modern Warfare 3 and Battlefield 3 until his hands go numb.